Ruapehu, New Zealand

1/2 day experience Ruapehu options ...

Ride two chairlifts up to New Zealand’s highest café, to an altitude of 2,020 metres above sea level. You will be amazed by the stunning panoramic views and geological features when you take a scenic chairlift ride, as well as enjoying a latte or indulging in a glass of wine and food.

Scenic Chairlift ride to Knoll Ridge Cafe: 2-3 hours

Those who wish to play in the snow can either build a snowman, make a snow angel or take a toboggan and slide down the Happy Valley Snow Park. Feel the exhilarating speed as you whoosh down the slope and create wonderful memories if you have never experienced snow before.

Snow Play in Happy Valley Snow Park: 2-5 hours

The trail starts from My Kiwi Adventures adventure centre in the heart of the National Park Village. After a short easy climb through native bush you will enjoy a spectacular 10 km decent into the valley offering stunning views and quality downhill mountain biking. The final 14km of the trail passes through peaceful farmland along the Retaruke Valley finishing by the monuments at the intersection of Oio road where your return shuttle will meet you. Fishers track is a great option for mountain bikers with a basic level of fitness.

Fishers Track Mountain Biking: 4 hours afternoon

A local favourite, the historical Old Coach Road trail is great for the beginner or novice mountain biker. You will follow the historical Old Coach Road trail taking in fantastic scenery, native bush and historical sites. Taonui Viaduct and the restored Hapuawhenua Viaduct are some highlights. Starting in Horopito the track is mostly downhill with a few small climbs before finishing in Ohakune township. Time has been allowed for you to enjoy lunch at our local cafes and visit the Ohakune i-SITE.

Old Coach Road Mountain Bike trail: 6 hours

If you want to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Tongariro National Park without crossing the mountain, this half day option is for you. Adrift guides will assess the group’s ability and take you on a shorter walk to show you all things relevant to Tongariro including recent and past eruptions, geology, flora and fauna, local myths and legends and last but not least Lord of the Rings filming sites.

Volcanic Explorer: 6 hours

This loop track leaves and returns from the Chateau Tongariro with the spectacular Taranaki Falls at the half way point. There are excellent mountain views while you cross a range of land forms from tussock and alpine shrublands to pristine beech forest. The falls tumble 20 metres over the edge of a large andesite lava flow which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago.

DOC Taranaki Falls: 2 hours

Make a visit to New Zealand’s most comprehensive Army Museum for access to a unique collection of military exhibits, memorabilia and public research material. A place where families can seek out and relate to their military connections. Honour the sacrifices, learn the campaigns, be inspired by the stories of courage, loyalty and comradeship. Expert guides will provide a comprehensive tour of the museums exhibits before leaving you to explore in your free time.

National Army Museum Waiouru: 4 hours morning

Tongariro National Park Dual World Heritage Area is unique and spectacular in New Zealand. Its majestic volcanoes, beautiful lakes, rugged craters and contrasting forests and deserts make for a memorable scenic flight experience. Mountain Air’s ‘Volcanic Explorer’ takes in all three volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park, including the active crater lake of Mt Ruapehu. While this tour will come at a cost, it is certainly an experience to remember. Cost:$206 per person (minimum 3).

Volcanic Explorer Scenic Flight: 1/2 hour

Starting near the Chateau Tongariro the track takes in a range of vegetation types as well as the creamy-white Silica Rapids terraces. Dense bush and boardwalks over mountain swamps home to freshwater crayfish plus bubbling streams with gold-toned beds make this a diverse walk.